In a stunning display of skill, determination, and teamwork, the Comox Valley Kickers women’s and men’s rugby teams have secured their place in the BCRU Senior Club Finals after winning their respective semi-final matchups. This marks a historic moment for the club, as it is the first time in club history that both teams have advanced to the finals in the same season.
Commanding Performance on Home Field by the Women
In a thrilling showdown at Cumberland Village Park, the Comox Valley Kickers women’s rugby team showcased their dominance with a resounding 27-7 victory over the Nanaimo Hornets. The Kickers overcame an early deficit to secure a memorable win and advance to the finals.
The game kicked off with a burst of speed from the Nanaimo Hornets, as their winger executed a lightning-fast break along the sideline to score the opening try, catching the Kickers off guard. However, minutes later the home team rallied, led by their Captain Natalie Nguyen, who responded with a game-changing interception try, leveling the score and killing Nanaimo’s momentum.
From that pivotal moment onwards, the Kickers seized command of the game, showcasing their skills in both attack and defense. Nguyen added another try to the scoreboard by capitalizing on a brilliant sequence of offloads and quick hands from her teammates.
Not to be outdone, Winger Jess Nikkel made her mark on the match with a stunning interception at the halfway line, showcasing her speed and agility as she raced past defenders to score, adding to the Kickers’ lead. The team’s forwards were a formidable force in the scrums and lineouts, providing crucial possession and support as Nikkel added another try to extend the lead.
Throughout the match, Fullback Cali McKay exhibited her precision and composure, connecting on a crucial penalty kick and adding two conversions to further extend the Kickers’ lead and denying Nanaimo any chance at a comeback. Her contributions were instrumental in maintaining the team’s lead and securing the victory.
Against the Odds: Men Upset #1 Seed
The Comox Valley Kickers men’s rugby team defied the odds and emerged victorious against the #1 ranked Vancouver Rowers Rugby Club in an exciting match at Brockton Oval. The match, characterized by its hard-fought intensity and back-and-forth momentum swings, saw the Kickers secure a remarkable 19-15 upset victory.
The game unfolded as a relentless battle of attrition, with bone-crunching tackles and hard-hitting collisions defining the physicality of the contest. Despite the Rowers’ early offensive pressure, the Kickers demonstrated their defensive resilience, holding firm and weathering the storm to keep the score close.
As the match progressed, the momentum shifted back and forth, with neither team able to gain a decisive advantage. However, it was the Kickers who seized the opportunity to strike, capitalizing on key turnovers and executing precise plays to put points on the board. Tries were scored by Nick Fielding, Devon Moore, and Nick Gilmour. The two successful conversion kicks by Kai Mills proved to be the pivotal difference makers in the Kickers’ win. In a match characterized by tight margins, those crucial kicks ultimately tipped the scales in favor of the underdog team.
With the clock winding down, the Rowers launched a desperate offensive onslaught in a bid to reclaim the lead, but the Kickers stood firm, showcasing their grit and determination to secure the upset victory.
Road to Glory
As the dust settles on their unforgettable semi-final matchups, both Comox Valley Kickers rugby teams are now eagerly looking ahead to the finals held on Saturday, May 4 at the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club. The women’s team will look to earn their first championship facing off against United RFC at 11:00AM. The men’s team will be defending their title against Chilliwack RFC at 11:30AM. The Kickers would like to thank their 2023/2024 sponsors for their support throughout the season: Courtenay Nissan, The Beaufort Ave Pub, The Buddery House, RLR Lawyers, SpeedPro Signs, Coastline Real Estate Group, Pemberton Holmes Real Estate, Kitto Real Estate Team, Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal, and Mowi. For more information about the Comox Valley Kickers, please visit www.comoxvalleyrugby.ca.
